The world of technical diving has evolved tremendously over the past few decades, with rebreather diving emerging as the pinnacle of underwater exploration technology. AP Diving’s rebreathers have consistently remained at the forefront of this evolution, setting benchmarks for safety, reliability, and innovation in the CCR diving community.
As the exclusive distributor of AP Diving rebreathers in the Americas, Silent Diving has witnessed firsthand how these remarkable units have transformed the diving landscape for both recreational and technical divers worldwide.
World’s Leading CCR Manufacturer
AP Diving stands as the single largest manufacturer of closed circuit rebreathers for the recreational and sports diving market, having sold more units than all other manufacturers combined. With over 25 years of producing CCRs and over 50 years of scuba diving equipment manufacturing experience, their expertise runs deep.
This market leadership means parts, spares, and support are available worldwide, providing divers with confidence in their equipment investment.
The company’s manufacturing excellence is evident in their Helston, Cornwall facility, where 90% of all components are produced in-house. From sewing harness components to injection molding plastic fittings, brass manufacturing for hoses and manifolds, everything is manufactured and assembled to the highest standards under rigorous quality control.
This comprehensive approach ensures components from units made in 1997 can be interchanged with units built today if necessary.
Proven Technology with Extreme Environment Credentials
Perhaps no endorsement speaks louder than real-world performance in the most demanding conditions. AP Diving’s Vision electronics provided life support for James Cameron’s historic Deep Sea Challenge, which took him to the bottom of the Marianas Trench and more importantly, brought him back safely.
This extreme application demonstrates the reliability and precision engineering that goes into every AP Diving rebreather.
The company invests heavily in research and development, spending over $2 million on a state-of-the-art testing laboratory—one of only three in the world capable of testing units to 200 meters (600 feet) of water. This commitment to testing and continuous improvement ensures that current units are considerably different and more advanced than the original units from 20 years ago.
Revolutionary Safety Features
Dual Oxygen Controllers: The Heart of Safety
In AP Diving’s engineering philosophy, the dual oxygen controller system is an essential safety requirement. The system features two independent oxygen controllers, C1 and C2, located in the scrubber lid and permanently encapsulated for water and vibration protection. C1 normally serves as the Master controller while C2 operates as the Slave.
The Slave constantly monitors the Master and oxygen pressure (ppO2) within the breathing circuit, automatically promoting itself to Master should C1 fail or if the ppO2 drops to 80% of setpoint. This seamless transition ensures continuous, precise oxygen control throughout the dive.
Innovative Fiber Optic Display System
Connected directly to each oxygen controller is a revolutionary dual head-up fiber optic display featuring four LED lights total—one red and one green for each controller. Light transmission through flexible polyethylene fiber optic cables to the HUD eliminates the need for water or pressure proofing while providing durable, reliable communication of critical dive data.
Under normal conditions, divers see two green lights indicating proper oxygen levels from both controllers. The LEDs continue functioning even after the wrist display fades and solenoid stops firing, allowing divers to safely execute an emergency ascent with manual gas addition.
Intelligent Dual Battery System
The intelligent dual battery system provides redundant power with the ability for each controller to draw power from whichever battery is available. The two batteries, B1 and B2, are housed within a sealed rechargeable battery pack, eliminating the single-point-of-failure risk that exists with single battery systems.
Advanced Oxygen Cell Technology
AP Diving’s oxygen cells feature co-axial connectors with gold-plated push-on, pull-off connections that offer easier cell removal and more robust connections compared to conventional cells. The four-pronged base provides secure anchoring to the oxygen cell’s PCB, while the Teflon front face dispels moisture and allows rapid gas transfer for real-time ppO2 control.
2020 Vision: State-of-the-Art Display Technology
The 2020 Vision wrist-mounted color display represents the cutting edge of rebreather interface design. This full-color, high-resolution display utilizes conditional coloring to highlight current system status and offers various color themes, including a color-blind option. The screen features an easily replaced, peel-off, self-adhesive screen protector for durability.
Surface displays show controlling oxygen controller (C1 or C2), setpoint, scrubber status, battery levels, ppO2 from all three oxygen cells, and atmospheric pressure. Underwater, the display adds dive time, depth, maximum depth, and decompression information when Nitrox or Trimix options are installed.
Comprehensive Scrubber Monitoring
The AP Scrubber Monitor features an array of temperature sensors located down the center of the scrubber. As CO2-laden exhaled breath passes through, temperature comparisons between sensors track the exothermic reaction of the Sofnolime through the bed. The system performs reliably in both cold and warm water, handles ascents and descents effectively, and even works with part-used Sofnolime.
Flexible Training Progression: Rec to Tec
AP Diving pioneered the recreational rebreather market by working closely with PADI to develop simplified units meeting Rec Rebreather requirements. The modular design allows divers to start with Recreational configurations (20m or 40m limits) and progress to full Technical capabilities through simple system key upgrades.
This progression system means new divers can gain experience on simplified settings, then advance through Tec40, Tec60, or Tec100 levels without purchasing completely new equipment. Instructors can configure units for different certification levels, maximizing training flexibility and equipment utilization.
Rigorous Testing and Certification Standards
All AP Diving units meet European CE testing standards through third-party agents from approved test houses. These comprehensive tests include oxygen control, work of breathing, scrubber duration, and safety failure analysis. Any changes to existing or new products must pass third-party CE testing and meet specified standards. Quality assurance audits are conducted bi-annually by Lloyd’s of London.
Advanced Software Integration
Bluetooth Connectivity and Data Management
The 2020 Vision display includes built-in Bluetooth capability for seamless data transfer to PC using AP Connect software. Divers can download dive data, upload program updates, install decompression options, and synchronize the real-time clock. The system supports remote diagnostics, allowing factory technicians to provide support regardless of location.
Decompression and Planning Software
Bühlmann decompression algorithms with adjustable conservatism levels provide reliable decompression calculations. The separate Projection Dive Planner software allows comprehensive pre-dive planning for both closed circuit and open circuit scenarios, including complex overhead environments and bailout gas calculations.
Silent Diving: Your AP Diving Experts
As the exclusive North and South American distributor for AP Diving, Silent Diving brings 17 years of experience in sales, service, and support. Our team, led by Mike Fowler (President and founder) with his extensive IANTD background and role as advisor to AP Diving on training matters, and Jennifer Mayfield (Operations Manager) with 14 years on rebreather and instructor certifications, provides unmatched expertise.
Silent Diving offers:
- Factory-trained technicians with extensive CCR experience
- Comprehensive maintenance programs tailored to individual usage patterns
- Regular software updates and firmware upgrades
- Custom modifications and configurations
- Complete parts and service support
- Detailed service documentation and maintenance tracking
The Benefits of Silent Diving
Extended Bottom Time and Efficiency
CCR diving transforms the underwater experience through extended no-stop times and shorter surface intervals. The unit maintains constant optimal ppO2, providing the best possible gas mixtures at all depths—not just maximum depth like traditional nitrox. Divers regularly enjoy 2-3 hour multilevel no-stop dives, eliminating the hassle of repeated entries and exits.
Warm, Humid Breathing Gas
CO2 scrubbing produces an exothermic reaction generating heat and moisture. Combined with recirculating gas rather than breathing cold cylinder gas, divers stay considerably warmer than with open circuit systems. The humid breathing gas eliminates the dry mouth sensation common with traditional scuba.
Silent Marine Life Encounters
For underwater photography and videography enthusiasts, silent diving represents the most important advantage of CCR technology. The absence of regulator noise and exhaled bubbles allows natural marine life behavior, enabling closer approaches and more natural interactions impossible with traditional scuba equipment.
Looking to the Future
The future of technical diving continues to be shaped by AP Diving’s innovations and Silent Diving’s expertise in training and support. With continuous improvements in electronics, safety systems, and user interfaces, the evolution of rebreather diving accelerates.
The combination of AP Diving’s manufacturing excellence and Silent Diving’s comprehensive support network ensures divers have access to the most reliable and sophisticated CCR systems available.
For those seeking the ultimate in underwater exploration capability, AP Diving rebreathers, supported by Silent Diving’s expertise and service network, represent the definitive choice in closed circuit rebreather technology. The marriage of proven engineering, innovative safety features, and comprehensive support creates a diving platform that opens new possibilities for underwater exploration and discovery.
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